Palais Namaskar, Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech feels like the Las Vegas of Morocco, and it certainly
has no shortage of breathtaking hotels, but even in a crowded
market (or should that be souk?), the Namaskar is very special
indeed.

Formerly a private residence (nope, not at all envious), it
still retains a cosy, personal feel - yet everything has been done
on an epic scale. A 30-minute drive into the countryside from
Marrakech airport (or a quick trip in the Palais Namaskar private
jet!), you are met by the smell of wood smoke rising from an
outdoor fireplace, and the service from here on in is faultless.
Past the bougainvillea-draped colonnades and walkways, surrounded
by tile-bottomed pools, lie the Namaskar's private villas.

The single-storey sanctuaries have huge gardens to themselves,
and a pool large enough to do laps in should you want to (but we'd
recommend sprawling on the giant day bed next to it). Namaskar's
restaurant - picture satin curtains, velvet banquettes and extreme
mood lighting - serves Moroccan and French food. If you want to
venture further afield, the most atmospheric eatery in Marrakech is
La Mamounia hotel's extraordinary Le Marocain. Housed in a replica
of a traditional riad, decorated with wood carvings, and packed
with snug, romantic corners, the food is exquisite - try the
traditional pastilla (an elaborate meat pie). To die for.

WOW FACTOR The prize for one of the best views in the city -
towards the mountains and out across the sand - has to go to the
hotel's rooftop No mad Bar, where DJs play nightly, and guests
mingle, Mojito in hand.